Large Gippsland fire destroys at least five homes

Posted
January 18, 2013 19:28:00

Homes have been lost as a large fire sweeps across forest and farmland in Gippsland. The blaze is almost 45,000 hectares in size and poses the biggest threat to the lakeside town of Glenmaggie and Licola.

NB. Please note, the introduction to this report and the attached audio is from an updated broadcast of PM at 7.00 AEST.

SALLY SARA: A man has been killed in the bushfires ravaging parts of eastern Victoria. He was found in a burnt out car near the small farming community of Seaton.

In New South Wales it's also been a day of soaring temperatures and fast moving bushfires.

Sydney matched its hottest day on record, climbing above 45 degrees.

Beyond the city, fire crews are still trying to contain blazes in several regions across the country, including southern New South Wales, the Hunter and Riverina.

But the focus has been in Victoria as rapid and intense fires have swept across a number of small towns, destroying at least five homes.

The blaze has burnt through more than 44,000 hectares of land and the Country Fire Authority believes it has the potential to burn for days, if not weeks, to come.

Anna MacDonald reports.

ANNA MACDONALD: The speed and intensity of the blaze took fire crews by surprise. Within a matter of hours early this morning, what had started as a small fire in remote country near Aberfeldy, rapidly spread in windy conditions.

Barry Taylor from the Montana Caravan Park near Heyfield decided to stay with his wife and two children to protect their property.

BARRY TAYLOR: We've lost a shed, we've lost the truck, we've lost a few bits and pieces but we're all healthy and well. The roos are just laying there all scorched, burnt black and blown up from the heat I guess. Yeah, just laying on their backs with their legs in the air.

ANNA MACDONALD: The fire then moved towards the tourist town of Glenmaggie.

Resident Tony Dawkins, who lives on the other side of Lake Glenmaggie, has been waiting to defend his property all day. So far he's been lucky.

TONY DAWKINS: There's a lot of water between me and it but it was spotting, spot fires were occurring either side. It was getting close to us but it didn't quite get here thankfully.

ANNA MACDONALD: His wife, children and elderly parents made the decision to leave the area early this morning.

TONY DAWKINS: Me and the dogs and the hoses and the pumps are all at the ready. You know, I'm as prepared as I can be and had lots of phone calls from friends and a fire truck pop in and have a look at me at one stage and, you know, a couple of visitors.

ANNA MACDONALD: More 70 fire trucks and 200 fire crew are fighting the blaze, which is now approaching the small and isolated township of Licola.

Victoria's fire services commissioner, Craig Lapsley.

CRAIG LAPSLEY: Currently there's about 10 people remain in Licola township and have CFA fire-fighting resources with them. The road itself between Heyfield and Licola is cut off due to the fire and those in Licola will remain in Licola and the only escape route is up over the top of the hill towards Mount Hotham, which is a very difficult road to travel.

ANNA MACDONALD: One of those still in Licola is Ray Winter from the general store and Caravan Park.

RAY WINTER: Very dry and plenty of fuel around so it's not going to be pretty when it does, if it does come in. We'll just brace ourselves to do what we can when we can and that's about all you can do.

ANNA MACDONALD: The fire may well have a lot of life in it yet.

Fire services commissioner, Craig Lapsley, says crews are preparing for a long campaign and communities, including Heyfield and Maffra, will need to remain on alert.

CRAIG LAPSLEY: It has the potential to be a two week fire-fight in the bush and on certain days it will threaten certain communities based on weather conditions and in particular, wind direction and speed.

One would hope that this weekend is kind to us and that we can get on and it doesn't end up being a two week campaign but there is no forecast rain.